Allergy Awareness Week: Our Family’s Story (Part One)
- Yinka Okello
- Apr 28
- 5 min read
Updated: May 1
A Journey of Love, Learning and Growing Together
Allergy Awareness Week always stirs up a lot of reflection for us as a family. It reminds me just how far we’ve come — and how much life has changed, and been shaped, by the presence of food allergies in our home.
Our journey with allergies began when our daughter was just a baby. I still remember those early days so vividly. The endless visits to the doctor, the countless tubes of creams and steroids prescribed for what they kept telling us was “just eczema.” But deep down, I knew it wasn’t just that. As a mother, you sense when something more is going on.
It was a long, lonely road to diagnosis.
Each time we left the doctor’s office without real answers, I carried home not just a confused and uncomfortable baby, but a heavy sense of helplessness too. When we finally got the diagnosis of multiple food allergies, it was almost a relief — at least now we knew what we were facing.
But knowing was just the start. Suddenly, food — something that should bring joy, comfort, and connection — became a minefield. Every label had to be checked and double-checked. Every meal needed planning. Eating out, attending birthday parties, visiting friends — everything required preparation, caution, sometimes even refusal.
There were moments that broke my heart. Like the time my daughter tearfully told me it wasn’t fair that she couldn't eat the same things as the other children. I knew exactly what she meant — it wasn’t fair. No one chooses to have an allergic reaction to something so ordinary as food. Watching her sit at a party with her own “safe” cupcake while the other children tucked into a shared cake was one of those moments that stays with you.
But life isn’t fair — and through it all, we found ways to frame the experience positively.
I would tell her: "This journey will help you grow into someone even more caring, understanding, and brave. Maybe one day, you’ll share your story and help someone else who’s feeling left out, just like you."
How Allergies Shaped Family Life
Living with allergies didn't just affect one of us — it changed everything for the whole family. Meal times were the first big shift. Gone were the days of throwing together one meal for everyone. I often found myself cooking multiple versions of dinner, tailoring meals to suit each person's needs. The time, the mental load, the constant awareness — it was exhausting.
Eating out became an exercise in military-style planning: calling ahead, double-checking menus, carrying safe snacks in my bag at all times "just in case." Spontaneity — something many families take for granted — became a luxury we simply couldn’t afford. Even seemingly small things, like supermarket trips, were affected. Shopping meant scanning every label, every time — because recipes change. I can’t tell you how many times I thought an item was safe, only to find a new allergen listed.
And then there were birthdays. Parties are a big part of childhood, and food is a big part of parties. Seeing your child sit apart, unable to eat what others were enjoying, is gut-wrenching. It was during these years that the idea of Marisola Parlour began to form in my heart — a dream of a place where nobody would have to feel excluded because of what they couldn’t eat.
Finding Connection in Unexpected Places
One of the things that kept me going during those early, overwhelming years was finding connection with others who understood.
There was one family at our church also navigating food allergies. We shared tips, recipes, and, sometimes most importantly, simply listened to each other. Having someone who truly “got it” made all the difference. It taught me that community is powerful — even if it’s small.
Living With The Unknown
Every year, we had the hospital visits for skin prick testing — tiny drops of potential allergens placed on her arm, then watching and waiting, itchy and uncomfortable, for a reaction. The anxiety before those appointments was almost unbearable. You hold your breath, waiting for the results that could alter the shape of everyday life once again.
Sometimes, there were food challenges — supervised "introductions" to allergens to see if her body could tolerate them. Imagine sitting there, watching your child take cautious bites of food you’re terrified might hurt them. As a parent, you feel powerless.
And after every test, the inevitable swirl of emotions:
Guilt — had I introduced things too late? Too early?
Fear — what if I make a mistake?
Exhaustion — because it was never just one child’s needs to think about.
The Impact On Siblings
One thing that's not often talked about is the way food allergies affect siblings too.
Our son, who didn’t have allergies initially, also felt the weight of it. He missed out on birthday cakes, restaurant meals, certain treats — not because he had allergies, but because as a family, we chose to include everyone in a way that kept his sister safe.
In the beginning, it was hard for him to understand. It was hard for him to grasp why he had to give things up when he didn’t react to foods himself. There were moments of frustration and confusion, and rightly so — he is also a child, after all.
But over time, through gentle explanation, and — sadly — by seeing first-hand the effects of accidental exposure on his sister, something changed. He witnessed not just the physical reactions, but also the social isolation she sometimes felt. His empathy grew.
He began to step into the role of quiet protector — asking questions at parties, checking if food was safe, and celebrating safe alternatives without hesitation. It was a beautiful and humbling thing to see, and a reminder that compassion is often born through experience.
Coming Soon: Part Two
In the next post, I’ll be sharing the unexpected twists that came later — including the surprise allergy diagnosis of our son at the age of 10 — and what these experiences have taught us about resilience, patience, and joy. We'll also talk more about how our everyday family life has continued to evolve, and how Marisola Parlour grew from these very experiences.
We know every family's journey with allergies looks a little different, but if anything we've shared resonates with you, we'd love to hear from you. Sharing our stories reminds us that none of us walk this road alone. Thank you for being part of our community.
At Marisola Parlour, we specialise in gluten-free (gf), vegan baked goods that are made without wheat, eggs, dairy, or nuts. We use unrefined sugars and natural food dyes to ensure our treats are packed full of nutrients as they are delicious. If you have any questions or special requests, please don't hesitate to reach out. We love making your dessert dreams come true!
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